As California Weighs New AI Guardrails, Hollywood Creators Discuss the Future of Human Creativity

As California policymakers consider new approaches to artificial intelligence oversight, entertainment professionals are increasingly focused on what the technology means for creative work.

As part of that conversation, First Entertainment Credit Union recently hosted Human Led, AI Enabled: The Future of Hollywood Production, a panel discussion featuring entertainment industry experts and creative professionals. The event took place amid growing discussions around AI safety and accountability.

“Entertainment has always evolved through creativity and innovation,” said Heather Lewis, Senior Vice President and Chief Growth and Experience Officer for First Entertainment. “As AI becomes more integrated into creative work, it’s important that we better understand its possibilities and limitations while keeping human creativity at the heart of the process. We’re proud to bring our community together for conversations that help creators navigate these changes with greater confidence.”

A central theme of the discussion was the enduring role of human creativity even as technology becomes more sophisticated. Panelists emphasized that storytelling, artistic judgment and lived experiences remain essential components of creative work.

“We get all this input from our experiences and our life, we have what I like to call the intangible, which is our feelings and our chemistry,” said Managing Attorney Joy Ganes, Esq. “Right now, I don’t believe that AI can replicate that in the same way.”

Speakers also encouraged creative professionals to approach AI as a tool that can expand opportunities rather than replace human ingenuity. As the industry continues to change, panelists stressed the importance of curiosity and ongoing education.

“To me, your flourishing in AI will only be as big as the time that you’re willing to invest in yourself,” said Monica Monique, founder of Chain Reaction. “If you’re willing to invest that time, then the sky’s kind of the limits of what you can do.”

The conversation also explored practical ways creators can adapt to changing workflows while developing new skills that combine creative and technical expertise. Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized that continuous learning will be critical for future success.

“I realized I had to get back to what we talked about on this panel, which is point of view, community, collaboration and learning,” said moderator Alton Glass, founder and CEO of GRX Immersive Labs. “To me, learning is the new job.”

Watch the full panel discussion below: